01
Inspection & strip-down
The build begins on the lift at Cardiff Motorsport in Langenfeld: the car is inspected in detail, stripped down and prepared for racing.
VÖLKEL Racing · Workshop Story
From 500 SEC to Race Car
Within just a few months, a Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC was transformed in the Cardiff Motorsport workshop into a race-ready Group A car for the DHLM at the Nürburgring.
The Project
One goal: ready for the Nordschleife
Originally, the plan was to race a Mercedes 500 SLC. But the DHLM regulations quickly made one thing clear: with its more modern Group A homologation and the option of a manual gearbox, the 500 SEC offered far better conditions for racing on the Nordschleife. The choice was made: the 500 SEC – and the build began.
From a large Mercedes coupé to a pure endurance race car: roll cage, racing seat setup, safety fuel cell, fire suppression system, revised drivetrain and countless detail jobs all had to be completed within a short timeframe so the 500 SEC could take the start on time for its first DHLM outing.
Workshop card
Checked ✓
- Vehicle
- Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC
- Homologation
- Group A
- Build
- Cardiff Motorsport, Langenfeld
- Drivers
- Jörg Sand & Markus Horn
- Entry
- DHLM 2026 · Nürburgring
The Workshop · Cardiff Motorsport, Langenfeld
The build – step by step
02
Roll cage & racing seat setup
A welded roll cage runs through the entire interior and into the rear parcel shelf – the foundation for driver safety in historic endurance racing.
03
Safety fuel cell & fire suppression system
In the boot, a safety fuel cell and fire suppression system replace the standard tank – essential equipment for racing on the combined Grand Prix circuit and Nordschleife.
04
Drivetrain: from automatic to 6-speed
The conversion from automatic to a 6-speed manual gearbox is one of the central drivetrain jobs: more drivability, more flexibility in gearing and a much stronger racing character for the 5.0-liter V8.
05
Exhaust system & suspension
A new exhaust system and race-tuned suspension, together with the underbody setup, form the technical basis for three hours of racing distance.
06
Electrics & interior
The wiring harness is adapted to the new safety and racing equipment, while the interior is consistently reduced to the essentials.
07
Bodywork & final touches
From the repaired sunroof to the wheel emblem: the final step is all about the details that allow the 500 SEC to roll out of the workshop ready to race.
08
Livery wrap
Finally, the 500 SEC receives its racing design: the livery wrap visibly completes the Cardiff Motorsport build – the car leaves the workshop race-ready and unmistakably as a VÖLKEL Racing vehicle.
Impressions
The 500 SEC in the workshop
Our Thanks
Thank you, Cardiff Motorsport
Building the 500 SEC into a race-ready DHLM car was precision work under time pressure. Cardiff Motorsport in Langenfeld made it possible – with craftsmanship, racing experience and the commitment needed to get the car to the start line on time. For that, we say thank you.
Go to Cardiff Motorsport →Next Date
The next DHLM outing is coming up
From 18 to 20 September 2026, VÖLKEL Racing and the 500 SEC will head into the next DHLM round at the Nürburgring.
All DHLM 2026 results & dates →